Description
A quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender white beans and fresh greens sautéed with garlic, herbs, and lemon. This nutritious recipe serves as a perfect light main course or side dish, garnished with fresh parsley and optional feta cheese for a tangy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Greens
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh greens (such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard), roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic and Greens: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Cook Greens: Add the roughly chopped fresh greens to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted and tender, developing their natural flavors.
- Add Beans and Seasonings: Stir in the drained white beans along with dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to evenly distribute seasoning throughout the dish.
- Heat Through: Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the beans to warm up and absorb the aromatic flavors in the skillet.
- Add Lemon and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the beans and greens to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese if desired for added texture and tang.
- Enjoy: Serve the dish warm as a nutritious side or a light main course, perfect for a healthy Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Feel free to use any sturdy greens you prefer, such as kale, spinach, or Swiss chard.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers.
- Omitting the feta cheese makes the dish vegan-friendly.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or cooked grains like quinoa or rice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
